The Merck Foundation has launched applications for the 2026 editions of its More Than a Mother and Diabetes & Hypertension Song Awards, calling on African singers and musical artists to use their creativity and influence to drive social change and improve public health awareness across the continent.
Organized in partnership with the First Ladies of Africa, the awards encourage artists to create original songs that address some of the continent’s most pressing social and health challenges while inspiring positive behaviour change.
Announcing the awards, Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of the Merck Foundation and President of the “More Than a Mother” campaign, emphasized that music, art, and fashion can be powerful tools for advocacy.
“I strongly believe that media, fashion, and art should have a purpose beyond entertainment. They can raise awareness about issues such as diabetes, breaking infertility stigma, ending child marriage, stopping FGM and gender-based violence, supporting girls’ education, and women empowerment. Together, we can create a culture shift,” she said.
“More Than a Mother” Song Awards
The “More Than a Mother” category seeks songs that tackle social issues affecting women, girls, and families across Africa. Artists are encouraged to produce music that promotes:
- Breaking infertility stigma
- Supporting girls’ education
- Ending child marriage
- Ending female genital mutilation (FGM)
- Preventing gender-based violence (GBV)
- Advancing women’s empowerment
The competition is open to all African singers and musical artists, with entries evaluated on the strength of their message, creativity, and ability to educate and inspire communities.
Diabetes & Hypertension Song Awards
The Diabetes & Hypertension category aims to raise awareness about the prevention and early detection of non-communicable diseases through music.
Artists are invited to create songs that encourage healthy lifestyles and educate communities on preventing diabetes and hypertension as part of the Merck Foundation Capacity Advancement and Diabetes Blue Point Program.
Selected entries will be assessed based on the quality of the music, lyrics, composition, and their effectiveness in promoting public health awareness.
How to Apply
The competition is open to all African singers and musical artists.
Applicants for the Diabetes & Hypertension category should submit their work as an audio file or YouTube link via email to submit@merck-foundation.com with the subject line:
Merck Foundation SONG Awards 2026 – Diabetes & Hypertension
The email should include the applicant’s name, country, contact details, and song lyrics.
The submission deadline for the Diabetes & Hypertension Song Awards is 30 October 2026, while applications for the More Than a Mother Song Awards close on 30 September 2026.
Winners will be notified via email before being publicly announced through Merck Foundation’s website, social media platforms, and partner organizations.
Through the annual Song Awards, the Merck Foundation continues to harness the influence of music and creative arts to break harmful social stigmas, promote healthier communities, and inspire positive change across Africa.
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